Paper Blog | Feb '21 #Suptchat Recap: Leadership Focus on Total Child

Written by Paper | February 5, 2021

In case you missed this week’s #suptchat, the Paper team is here to provide you with a comprehensive wrap-up.

Superintendents Michael Lubelfeld and Nick Polyak facilitated this month's conversation between school leaders about Leadership Focusing on the Total Child—the theme of the 2021 AASAHQ National Conference on Education.

Q1: We all know we should Focus on the Total Child - where do we currently place too much emphasis in education and why?

#Suptchat participants shared diverse perspectives on where there is an overdue focus in education.

A1 too much emphasis on seat time, and yearly testing #suptchat
— Randy Squier (@randysquier) February 4, 2021

A1: We place WAY too much emphasis on compliance (HW, timelines, etc.) #suptchat
— Dave Palzet (@dpalzet) February 4, 2021

A1-As a HUGE advocate for tech in education, I can't believe I am saying this but Technology. It feels, especially with COVID, it is too easy to forget our purpose and our why, spending too much time looking for or implementing the next best thing or cool tech tool. #suptchat
— Katie Algrim (@Katie092513) February 4, 2021

A1: I think at times we place too much emphasis on what we, as the adults know and are comfortable doing, rather than pushing ourselves to make the changes our students need and deserve. #suptchat https://t.co/XRjtw1whEM
— Susan Enfield (@SuptEnfield) February 4, 2021

Q2: When you think about a child eventually leaving your district, what acquired skills or knowledge would mean that their education had been successful?

As the world changes, so must how schools approach post-secondary readiness.

A2: Now more than ever our young people can benefit from resilience. The other is empathy - we all need way more of that in our lives. #suptchat
— Dan_Cox (@Dan_Cox) February 4, 2021

A2: A bridge is in place to a career path that intersects with their passion. A strong foundation of service to the community and a desire to make the 🌎 better. #suptchat
— Brian J. Nichols (@bjnichols) February 4, 2021

A2: We live in a world where information can be "googled" in seconds. To me, successful students learn how to display empathy, collaborate with others, and seek to make the world a better place. #suptchat
— Nick Polyak (@npolyak) February 4, 2021

Q3: Why is it important to offer a robust list of extra-curricular activities, sports, and fine arts programs?

This question was central to "Leadership Focusing on the Total Child"—and participants stayed true to the theme.

A3 #suptchat as we unlearn school, schooling, even education, what is "extra" curricular to some is their main focus and strength and talent area!! We must continue to help facilitate the TOTAL CHILD
— Michael Lubelfeld (@mikelubelfeld) February 4, 2021

Q3: schools are so key importantly developing well rounded youth. Everything we do goes a long way in giving kids better futures. #suptchat
— Ry Heavner (@Heavner7) February 4, 2021

Q4: What is one unique way that your district supports the Social-Emotional needs of your students?

Thankfully, we're seeing a rise in emphasis on SEL. Educators proudly shared some of their practices.

A4: Forming strong relationships w/& btwn Ss every possible moment. The foundation for SEL success is social-perspective taking. W/out those relationships, modeling & developing positive mental models of how relationships should/can be we have failed Ss. #Significant72 #suptchat
— Greg Wolcott (@GregJWolcott) February 4, 2021

A4: We partner with @marcbrackett @rulerapproach and have identified 3 signature SEL practices: opening ritual, engaging communication practices & optimistic closure. We use these in the classroom with students and during meetings with adults. #suptchat https://t.co/GMVP4Gatgb
— Susan Enfield (@SuptEnfield) February 4, 2021

A4: A unique way we support SEL needs of our students is through the LiiNK Project ~ elem students have 4 unstructured recess breaks along with a character development curriculum to support student development and school culture transformation. #suptchat https://t.co/szC43mssQe
— Matthew Gutiérrez, Ed.D. (@DrMattGutierrez) February 4, 2021

Q5: How do parents and community partnerships benefit the development of the Total Child?

A5 - Those relationships always benefit a District. During my time at Millstadt it was such a huge support system for success because of our parent involvement. In poor communities it continues to be a struggle to bring involvement. #suptchat #BobcatsRising pic.twitter.com/71Jh9XyDwX
— jgreenmc (@JGreenmc) February 4, 2021

A5 parents always know their child better than us as well as insight from community partners whether it is church, sports, community center adults The child, the school, the parent & community all benefit from this development of the total child. Team Effort #suptchat
— Terry Saul, Ed.D (@saul02_terry) February 4, 2021

A5: Parent partnerships provide us insights into the unique needs of their kids are essential. When communities are able to offer opportunities & access to resources (sports, community ctrs, tutoring, etc) for all students, they provide more chances for kids to thrive. #suptchat
— MrJoeMcCauley (@CauleyMr) February 4, 2021

Q6: Every child has unique needs, how does your district meet kids where they are and fulfill those unique needs?

To go with new ways of teaching and learning, educators are moving towards new ways to empower their students.

A6 - Our District started two years ago by bringing back programs which were extinct such as music, art, industrial arts and electives across all grade levels. Our kids need skill to have a future and not just college preparedness. We still have plans for the future. #suptchat pic.twitter.com/miF671DSc4
— jgreenmc (@JGreenmc) February 4, 2021

A6 - It is all about relationships. Building strong relationships open the door to learning/understanding each students' needs and then working collaboratively, as a team (school & community) to help meet each need to the best of our ability. #suptchat
— Katie Algrim (@Katie092513) February 4, 2021

Q6: Our staff believe in giving students choice and voice in their learning. Students need a variety of avenues/opportunities to demonstrate understanding of concepts in a way that speaks to their strengths & learning style. One size doesn't fit all #suptchat
— Merryl Brownlow, Ed.D. (@MerrylBrownlow) February 4, 2021

Q7: While this pandemic has been our reality for a year, in what ways will your practices embrace the Total Child following COVID-19?

The responses to the penultimate question led to some heartwarming responses, and showcased the immense dedication of our K-12 professionals.

Identity is a part of the Total Child... if we aren't acknowledging and addressing the intersections of our children's identity through policy and practice..we're not seeing them fully or whole. #noblindness #suptchat https://t.co/rYveWdzZUE
— Barbara MullenPhD (@DrBarbaraMullen) February 4, 2021

#suptchat A7: Long after the pandemic, I hope the focus on doing what is needed regardless of barriers matters most, as opposed to metric gains on standardized tests. The pandemic has shined a light on some stark inequities that have existed for decades
— Todd Dugan (@tdugan75) February 4, 2021

A7: There a lot of pieces to be picked up in 2021, 2022, and beyond. The pandemic has caused academic damage, social damage, physical damage, and psychological damage. The key will be how we identify what our kids need to make sure we are doing the right work. #suptchat
— Nick Polyak (@npolyak) February 4, 2021

A7: The silver lining... with COVID is that education has been transformed in a way that will enhance the learning experience for Ss. We are more intentional ~ individualizing edu for face-to-face, remote, and hybrid students ~ new light to meeting the whole child. #suptchat
— Matthew Gutiérrez, Ed.D. (@DrMattGutierrez) February 4, 2021

Q8: The AASA National Conference on Education is virtual this year on Feb. 18/19. Have you registered? Share what you are looking forward to most.

School leaders excitedly chimed in!

A8: Yes, I am registered! I am looking forward 2 bldg my capacity 2 serve even better! Looking fwd 2 the social media lounge, I'll b helping 2 spread the #NCE2021 good news! I always look forward to hearing @mikelubelfeld & @npolyak present! Assuming u will! 💪 #Suptchat #NCE21 https://t.co/Wcvk80JDXE pic.twitter.com/GpAmXvICux
— Dr. Renae Bryant (@DrRenaeBryant) February 4, 2021

A8: This will be my first @AASAHQ conference in a year of firsts for me. I want to network and learn from my colleagues. #suptchat pic.twitter.com/fTKYNwB148
— Jon Bartelt (@jonbartelt) February 4, 2021

Finally, some concluding remarks from the moderators:

Thanks for being here tonight #suptchat friends. Take care and we'll see you next time!! pic.twitter.com/mSngyYwSFf
— Nick Polyak (@npolyak) February 4, 2021

Mark you calendars for the next #suptchat on March 3, 2021 @npolyak pic.twitter.com/0UoGgd47yc
— Michael Lubelfeld (@mikelubelfeld) February 4, 2021

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